The MDC says Zimbabwe's international image has been tarnished by Grace Mugabe's alleged assault, and Zambian opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema has been released from prison and treason charges against him have been dropped.

Nigeria opposition wants ruling party out

Abuja - Nigeria's four main opposition parties have
announced a merger, forming a coalition which could pose the biggest threat to
President Goodluck Jonathan's ruling party since the end of military rule in
1999.

Previous attempts at opposition alliances have fallen apart
due to infighting and regional differences. The newly created party will be
tested when trying to agree on a presidential candidate for the 2015 election.

"At no time in our national life has radical change
become more urgent," said a statement signed on Wednesday by
representatives of the four parties.

"We, the following progressive political parties,
namely ACN, ANPP, APGA and CPC, have resolved to merge forthwith and become the
All Progressive Congress and offer to our beleaguered people a recipe for peace
and prosperity."

The People's Democratic Party has won every presidential
election since a return to civilian rule 14 years ago. It controls around
two-thirds of the states and has a healthy majority in both houses of the
national assembly.

The four merging parties control almost all the remaining
seats and managed to reduce the PDP's majority in both the states and
parliament in elections in 2011.

Official changes

"All the main opposition leaders have for some time
backed the concept of a merger; the challenge will be to translate such common
purpose from principle to practice," said Antony Goldman, head of
Africa-focused PM Consulting.

"Policy and ideology do not feature prominently in a
political discourse in Nigeria that is principally about winning or losing -
and personal rivalries," Goldman said.

Tightly fought elections in Africa's biggest oil producer
can often stoke violence. Hundreds were killed in riots in the mostly Muslim
north when Christian southerner Jonathan won the presidential vote two years
ago.

The move by Jonathan's opponents indicates how politicians
are turning their attention to elections and threatens to distract from vital
reforms needed to support Africa's second largest economy. It also mounts
pressure on Jonathan to rally support from within his party and outside if he
is to win re-election.

It is yet to be seen if every state governor and lawmaker
supports the merger. Official changes of party will have to be agreed with the
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The INEC spokesman did not
respond to calls for comment.

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